Nissan released a teaser video hinting that the Skyline GT-R R32 will make a comeback with an all-electric powertrain.
The R32 EV project is underway
Dubbed R32 EV, the project is pitched by a Nissan engineer who always admired the nameplate. The GT-R R32 is coming back after it was succeeded by the R33 iteration in 1995.
“I want to build a more exciting car by adding the latest electrification technology that I am involved with to my favorite car,” said the Nissan engineer (translated from Japanese to English).
Nissan didn’t disclose any details regarding the project apart from the use of an electric power unit. If the R32 EV will retain the renowned all-wheel-drive (AWD) configuration, we could see at least two electric motors, one in the front and one in the rear.
The Japanese automaker should already be familiar with building this kind of electrified configuration thanks to the Ariya, the brand’s first all-electric crossover. This Nissan EV is available in either front-wheel drive (FWD) or AWD with the e-4ORCE technology.
【R32EV】vol.1
— 日産自動車株式会社 (@NissanJP) March 28, 2023
日産はR32型スカイラインGT-RのEV試作車製作に挑戦します。https://t.co/4eNjF3KdiI
この取り組みは、GT-Rに憧れて入社した技術者が「最高に好きなクルマに、今自分が関わる最新の電動化技術を載せて、もっとワクワクするクルマを造りたい」という思いから始まりました。#GTR #R32EV pic.twitter.com/pGBHqgeSBo
Meanwhile, the electric powertrain components such as the battery are expected to take the place of the 2.6-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine. The R32 is the first GT-R to be powered by this acclaimed power unit, which made 276 horsepower and 353 Nm of torque during its time.
Nissan isn’t the only automaker to bring back iconic models with an electrified powertrain. Toyota recently brought the AE86 back to life with all-electric and hydrogen versions, while Mini allows customers to convert their classic Mini models into electric vehicles (EVs).
Nissan Skyline GT-R R32
No specific date has been given as to when the R32 EV project will be completed. But this could be our glimpse into the capabilities of the GT-R with an all-electric performance. Reports suggest that the next-generation R36 could come with some form of electrification.
The latest from the GT-R is the two special editions released earlier this year in Japan. Nissan Chief Operating Officer (COO) Ashwani Gupta mentioned that these SE models are the pinnacle of the GT-R R35, which we think suggests that the current generation is nearing its end.
Don’t miss the R32 EV project and other upcoming cars at Philkotse.com.